Kickstart Cafe

462 Howe Ave, Hamden, CT

★★★★★4.8(201 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

“Kickstart Cafe operates like the coffee shop version of Cheers, where regulars greet each other by name and the owner actually works the counter making you feel like family from your first visit. Beyond the community warmth, the food and coffee both hit at a genuinely high level—think perfectly scrambled eggs with avocado chipotle toast and coffee that'll make you understand why people keep coming back. If you want a dog-friendly breakfast spot with real personality instead of corporate polish, this is absolutely worth the drive.”

What to expect

Specialty coffee. A slow-sit, outdoor seating spot, good for meetings. Full breakfast and pastries on the menu. Dog friendly. Family friendly. Parking available.

Traditional drinksDog friendlyFamily friendlyFull breakfastSpecialty drinksOutdoor seatingFamily friendlyFull breakfastPastriesMeetingsPastriesSlow sitParking

Google Reviews

S Murphy
★★★★★4 months ago

We dropped in to this local breakfast spot over the weekend. I say local because it was like having breakfast at Cheers where everyone knows the regulars who cycled through during our breakfast - few stayed but many came for pickup. We had omelets to fuel up for the day and…

Amanda Mariconda
★★★★★5 months ago

Kickstart is absolutely amazing! Everything is made so well and packed with flavor. The sausage, egg, and cheese is incredible, and the avocado chipotle–drizzled toast with a perfectly scrambled egg is a must-try. Their home fires are crispy and delicious. The honeybee with its…

Oneris Barett (OB)
★★★★★11 months ago

Kickstart Cafe in Shelton, CT is a warm and welcoming mom-and-pop gem where everyone feels like family—guests greet each other by name, and the vibe is full of heart. I started with their hazelnut cream & sugar coffee, perfectly smooth and comforting, then tried the honey bee…

Daniel Lopez
★★★★★a year ago

First time here and was absolutely blown away. The staff members were absolutely wonderful, friendly, and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious and the coffee was beyond this world. I chatted with the staff member and made me feel so comfortable. I highly recommend this…

Food of CT
★★★★★2 years ago

Obsessed with this adorable spot in downtown Shelton! I talked to the owner who was so nice, and they’re super dog friendly so seeing all of the pups really brightened my day. It’s one of those spots where almost everyone is a regular and they all know each other, so it felt…

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